Divorce is a harsh reality for many families. The emotional and psychological consequences are widely acknowledged. Nevertheless, the long-term physical health effects on children often go unnoticed.
A recent research study was conducted under the patronage of the Indian Academy of Neurosciences on children of 580 divorced couples from Kerala, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, and Goa between 2019 and 2024. It revealed that children of divorced parents face a 63% higher risk of stroke later in life. This is more than those with lower income, less education, or pre-existing conditions. Childhood trauma, particularly parental divorce, can have lasting consequences on physical health.
THE CHRONIC CHALLENGE
Divorce often triggers a chronic stress response in children. This response is especially strong when children are caught in the crossfire of conflict. It is also heightened when they experience a significant disruption in their daily routine. The constant strain of adjusting to a new family structure leads to a consistent rise in cortisol levels. Dealing with emotional upheaval also contributes. Additionally, processing the separation of parents increases this stress. Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone.
Children facing parental divorce often experience emotional turmoil, which activates the body’s fight-or-flight response. When this stress becomes chronic, it triggers inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and other long-term health issues.
The stress from these events can manifest as sleep disorders. It can also lead to weakened immunity. Additionally, it may cause an overall lack of energy or motivation to engage in healthy behaviours.
Additionally, the emotional stress caused by parental conflict often manifests in the form of a weakened immune system.
Children may develop chronic illnesses more easily, from frequent colds to more severe conditions like autoimmune diseases.
OVERCOMING THE STRESS
Psychological therapy can play a pivotal role in mitigating the long-term effects of divorce on children’s mental and physical health. Therapy provides children with the tools to process their emotions, reduce anxiety, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. In addition, it can help children build resilience, which is critical for overcoming the stress that accompanies parental separation.
Counselling the children helps them to navigate their emotions in a healthy way. It prevents long-term emotional repression, which contributes to stress-related illnesses. It allows them to build emotional intelligence and better manage difficult situations, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.
Minimizing parental conflict, especially in front of the children, helps reduce the emotional burden. Cooperation between parents in matters of custody and day-to-day responsibilities can prevent unnecessary stress. Encouraging children to engage in physical activity is beneficial. They should also eat nutritious meals. Practicing relaxation techniques like mindfulness or meditation can help mitigate the long-term health effects of stress.
Children need a stable routine and a sense of normalcy. Without these, they may develop anxiety. Their physical health can also deteriorate, leading to cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and metabolic disorders.
Cortisol hormone levels that remain elevated in these cases for extended periods can negatively impact the heart. They can also harm the immune system. This ultimately increases the risk of severe conditions later in life. Children exposed to prolonged stress may develop poor sleep patterns. This further complicates the situation. It leads to weakened immunity and a greater susceptibility to infections and illnesses.
The mental health impact of divorce on children cannot be overstated. According to umpteen research studies all over the world, children of divorced parents are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and trust issues. These issues contribute to both emotional distress and physical health problems.
THE PHYSICAL IMPACT
This chronic mental distress caused due to separated parents doesn’t just stay within the realm of emotions. It manifests physically as well. Depression, for example, has been directly linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, and other chronic illnesses. The emotional scars of watching parents separate often leave children questioning the reliability of others. This can lead to loneliness and anxiety. It also makes it difficult for them to maintain healthy, supportive relationships as they age. These social isolation patterns only exacerbate stress, perpetuating the cycle of chronic health issues.
Divorce often brings about financial instability and living arrangements that disrupt a child’s normal routine. The emotional burden, coupled with the chaos of moving homes, changing schools, or adapting to a new family structure, can lead to poor diet. It can also result in a lack of physical activity. These are risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and immune system dysfunction.
